BCCJ ACUMEN December 2017 by Custom Media KK

December 2017 | ¥900

The magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

bccjacumen.com

Refugees show how to combat stress in your firm

2019 Rugby World Cup: Watch games, see Japan

Stephen Jones OBE: Hatmaker to the stars

ACUMEN

Media

Government

Tech

Travel

2018

CRYSTAL BALL

SECTOR CHIEFS PREDICT NEXT YEAR’S TRENDS, HOPES . . . AND FEARS

SINCE 2009

BUSINESS TRAVEL SPORT

Finance

PRIZES HR TRAINING CULTURE

Health Real Estate

SURVEY COMMUNITY EVENTS and much more

KYUSHU FOCUS

Thank you to all BCCJ Members and BCCJ ACUMEN Readers who chose Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top bilingual creative agency in 2017.

www.custom-media.com

December 2017 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 12

9 EDITOR What’s in store? chris russell

35 TRAVEL Myanmar: Rebuild and revive Scots cruise firm helps two nations fix empire outpost

10 MEDIA UK–Japan news

38 TRAVEL Kyushu: Cornwall of Japan Island abounds with UK-related draws

13 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Reflect and resolve lori henderson mbe

45 SPORT Destination: Rugby Plenty to do away from matches

14 MEDIA Japan news 17 PRESIDENT The value of strategy david bickle 18 TOP STORY Our 2018 crystal ball Sector chiefs predict next year’s trends, hopes … and fears 26 BCCJ EVENT Building resilience in your firm Refugees provide model to overcome stress 29 SURVEY Feeling good about the future But lack of staff is big worry 31 TRAINING Woeful sales staff Basic errors for your staff to avoid

48 SPORT Frank Lampard: Legend on the lawn Chelsea’s top scorer trains star-struck kids on embassy visit

50 COMMUNITY • Remembrance Sunday • Other UK–Japan events 52 ARTS UK events in Japan • Shakespeare • Piano recital • Picture books • Mixed media art • Adventure film • British rock 54 BEHIND THE MIC Have a good time

INDUSTRY Kyushu Focus 38

COVER: ANTONY TRAN/LIFE.14, JOHNSON MATTHEY, BRITISH AIRWAYS, MORI BUILDING COMPANY, ASTRAZENECA

50 38

The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan BCCJ MISSION To strengthen business ties between Britain and Japan, promote and support the business interests of all our Members, and actively encourage new business entrants into the Japanese market as well as Japanese investment into the UK. LEADERS President: David Bickle Deloitte Tomatsu Tax Co. EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director: Lori Henderson MBE Operations Manager: Sanae Samata Membership and Marketing: Sam Maddicott EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2017–18 Alison Beale | University of Oxford Japan Office David Bickle | Deloitte Tohmatsu Tax Co. Mark Dearlove | Barclays Securities Japan Limited James Dodds | KPMG Simon Farrell | Custom Media K.K. Philippe Fauchet OBE | GSK K.K. Iain Ferguson | Lloyd’s Japan Inc. Susumu Kaminaga | Individual Member Dr. Florian Kohlbacher | The Economist Group Julia Maeda | Individual Member Guy Perryman MBE | Inter FM Reiko Sakimura | Clifford Chance Law Office Noriko Silvester | Candlewick Co., Ltd. Richard Thornley CBE | Individual Member Trevor Webster | Taylor Brunswick K.K. EX OFFICIO Chris Heffer | British Embassy Tokyo Matt Burney | British Council Japan BCCJ ACUMEN Editor in Chief: Simon Farrell HONORARY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Ian de Stains OBE Hiroaki Fujii Sadayuki Hayashi GCVO Kazuko Kon MBE Robin J Maynard MBE Masaki Orita British Chamber of Commerce in Japan Ark Hills Front Tower RoP 2-23-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 Tel: 03-6426-5739 | Fax: 03-6426-5749 info@bccjapan.com | www.bccjapan.com BCCJ ACUMEN is the magazine of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Custom Media BCCJ 2013 Company of the Year Publishers of BCCJ ACUMEN for the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Specialists in bilingual brand strategy/visual communications, corporate bespoke solutions. Producers of Business in Japan TV. Daiwa Azabudai Bldg. 6F 2-3-3 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041 (03) 4540-7730 www.custom-media.com

PRESIDENT Robert Heldt

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Reiko Natsukawa Edvard Vondra James Krick Andrew Wilkins

STUDIO MANAGER Paul Leonard

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Kotaro Toda

SENIOR EDITOR Chris Russell

HEAD OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT Megumi Okazaki

PUBLISHER Simon Farrell

STAFF WRITER Maxine Cheyney

WEB DEVELOPERS Brian Susantio Devin Surya Putra

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Michael Pfeffer Ximena Criales

MEDIA COORDINATOR Kiyoko Morita

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Anthony Head

PROJECT COORDINATOR Yoshiki Tatezaki Ayako Nakamura

To advertise or order BCCJ ACUMEN: inquiries@custom-media.com WARNING/DISCLAIMER Custom Media and the BCCJ will not accept liability for any damages caused by the contents of BCCJ ACUMEN, including, but not limited to, any omissions, errors, facts or false statements. Opinions or advice expressed in BCCJ ACUMEN are not necessarily those of the BCCJ or Custom Media.

Printed on paper certified by the US Forest Stewardship Council with vegetable oil ink certified by The Japan Printing Ink Makers Association.

CONTRIBUTORS

David Bickle A tax partner with Deloitte Tohmatsu Tax Co. and president of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (page 17).

Lori Henderson MBE Appointed executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan in February 2011 (page 13).

Chris Russell Custom Media’s editor of BCCJ ACUMEN (page 9, 18, 26). russell@custom-media.com

Maxine Cheyney Staff writer and subeditor for BCCJ ACUMEN (page 18, 45, 48).

Guy Perryman MBE Radio broadcaster, voice actor and events producer who has been based in Tokyo since 1990, and member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan Executive Committee (page 54).

Julian Ryall Japan correspondent for The Daily Telegraph (page 35).

Mark Schreiber Author and translator based in Tokyo since 1966, Schreiber is a former media analyst in market research (page 14).

Dr Greg Story President of Dale Carnegie Training Japan (page 31).

BCCJ members and writers are welcome to submit ideas for content, which will be reviewed by the publisher. simon@custom-media.com

Francesca “Chekka” Madden Editorial intern at Custom Media (page 29, 38).

/BCCJapan

Kiyoko Morita Office manager and media coordinator at Custom Media, Morita handles BCCJ ACUMEN’s distribution and compiles the Arts section (page 52).

/BCCJapan

Anthony Head Custom Media advertising sales director for BCCJ ACUMEN.

/BCCJ Company Page

/photos/bccjapan bccjacumen.com 7

World-class writing

EDITOR

What’s in store? Look ahead to 2018 chris russell | russell@custom-media.com

sked to define the current business environment, some of the words you would reach for might be change, dynamism and disruption. Technological innovation, geopolitical events and increased global competition are just some of the things that mean today’s businesses arguably need to be able to react faster and smarter than ever before. And although 2017 hasn’t delivered quite the same shocks as last year, there nevertheless have been plenty of reminders that firms can’t be flat footed. In this situation, chief executive officers and other senior business leaders could be forgiven for wishing they had a crystal ball so they could know what will happen next. While we can’t quite deliver that at BCCJ ACUMEN, we can do the next best thing: bring together experts to offer their inside take on the trends that will define 2018. Turn to page 18 to find out the latest key developments and what they mean for the year ahead.

And for further clues as to what’s in store, see our summary of the most recent Foreign Chambers in Japan Business Confidence Survey (page 29). With Japan experiencing its longest period of unbroken growth since the turn of the millennium, foreign firms in the country are feeling confident, something reflected in their plans for the future. Strong footing But challenges will inevitably present themselves. For both firms and individuals, the question is how they can properly prepare themselves to deal with times of stress and adversity. On page 26, we take a look at work done by Refugees International Japan and others to help people think about and cultivate resilience. Drawing upon the powerful stories of those who have been caught up in conflict, the sessions ask you to think about the lessons we can take from them and apply in our own lives. These accounts have been allied with research into resilience by top experts.

Holiday season The weather might well be getting colder, but this issue has plenty to get you thinking about warmer climes and future travel plans. Last month, the 2019 Rugby World Cup organising committee and World Rugby unveiled the tournament’s match schedule, throwing up some interesting fixtures involving the home nations. But in addition to a feast of sport, the competition also provides the perfect chance to explore Japan. On page 45, we give a round-up of what to see and do in and around the host cities between match days. Then on page 38, we look at the main draws for British and other tourists, from strong UK–Japan historical links to abundant natural beauty. And rounding out our travel coverage, we have a dispatch from Myanmar on page 35. Lastly, I would like to wish all BCCJ members and BCCJ ACUMEN readers a happy Christmas and new year.

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sends best wishes to readers And these organisations offer the season’s greetings to clients and BCCJ members.

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jp.gsk.com

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www.robertwalters.co.jp

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UK–JAPAN NEWS

MEDIA

These summaries of media reports are in the public domain and reproduced under the general principle of “fair dealing”.

Grosvenor buys into Ginza MUFG goes on hiring spree Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. has hired 180 new investment bankers in London since 1 April, City A.M. reported on 14 November. The move comes as the finance firm seeks to boost its income outside Japan by increasing its European operations. The firm had already announced plans to open a subsidiary in Amsterdam. Four Japanese banks have chosen Frankfurt as their base in the European Union as they try to minimise the impact of Brexit.

Grosvenor Group Limited has expanded into Japan’s retail sector after acquiring the Namikikan Ginza building for an undisclosed fee, Mingtiandi reported on 23 November. The 10-storey, 6,610m2 property was purchased from Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., who bought it for ¥25bn in 2015. Analysts estimate that Grosvenor will not have paid much less than that price tag. The Namikikan Ginza area, located in central Tokyo’s upscale Ginza shopping district, is filled with shops and travel agencies.

Izu ryokan lands gong at London awards gala The ryokan (Japanese-style inn) Abba Resorts Izu was named Asia’s Best Culinary Boutique Hotel at the World Boutique Hotel Awards in London on 9 November, the resort announced in a press release. Owner Windsor Yeh described it as a “great honour”. The judges praised Abba Resorts Izu for its location, level of hospitality and cuisine. It was the only ryokan to win an award and one of only two Japanese winners. The World Boutique Hotel Awards is in its seventh year, and winners were chosen from more than 600 nominees in more than 80 countries.

PHOTO: GROSVENOR LIMITED

Nori industry saved by 1940s UK botanist The important role, during the 1940s, of unpaid University of Manchester researcher Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker in saving the Japanese nori (seaweed) industry was outlined on 19 November by Ars Technica. Back in those days, nori cultivation was not properly understood, and production had been disrupted by industrialisation and poor weather. But research by Drew-Baker published in Nature revealed how the seaweed was grown. After her paper was read in Japan, cultivation was resumed, and led to the industrialised production of the plant seen today.

Michael Woodford MBE, the former chief executive officer of Olympus Corporation who blew the whistle on financial irregularities at the firm, has signed a deal to have his story made into a TV programme, The Telegraph reported on 11 November. Produced by US firm Tenafly Film Company, it will be part of an anthology showing “brave men and women standing up for what is right”. Woodford had, at one time, been warned by police that his life was in danger due to the connection of some of Olympus’s illegal payments to organised crime. PHOTO: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE

10 bccj acumen, december 2017

Olympus whistleblower inks deal for US TV programme

DECEMBER 2017

Hotel uses Rugby World Cup UK IoT tech used in Kyushu to boost European demand The Cambridge-based Internet of Things firm ZifiSense Limited will see its ZETA networking technology used for an aquaculture project in Kyushu, Business Weekly reported on 27 November. The technology has been adopted by IT Access Co., Ltd., and QTnet K.K. following a pilot project at a sturgeon fish farm in Miyazaki Prefecture. ZETA allows monitoring even in areas that have little or no communication and power infrastructure, making it suitable for use in rural areas.

The Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Tokyo • PHOTO: PRINCE HOTELS

Prince Hotels, Inc. plans to use the 2019 Rugby World Cup to boost by five percentage points the number of European customers it has, according to a 7 November Travel Weekly report. In particular, since Prince Hotels is hoping that Brits will visit Japan as a result of the competition, this year the firm appointed Hills Balfour Ltd. to handle PR in the UK. “We’re working to raise our profile in the UK and we think it’s a brand which will perform well here”, said Satoshi Funatogawa, the hotel’s regional sales director for Europe.

Subaru and Isuzu feature on new Welsh rugby kits Subaru Corporation has been named as sponsor of the Welsh national rugby team’s new away kit, Wales Online reported on 13 November. They join Isuzu Motors Ltd., who grace the home kit. The sponsorship from both Japanese firms comes as a result of Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) partnership with UK automotive importer IM Group Ltd. “We took a new and innovative approach to our latest shirt sponsorship negotiations and looked at ways to maximise value for our partners”, said WRU Chief Executive Martyn Phillips.

Sir Martin Wood Prize 2017 winner revealed Oxford Instruments plc announced the winner of the 2017 Sir Martin Wood Prize for Japan on 13 November, with Dr Michihisa Yamamoto of the University of Tokyo walking away with the award. Yamamoto was recognised for his work on the “control and detection of the quantum phase in semiconductor nanostructures”. The prize was established in 1998 with the aim of recognising and encouraging young scientists in Japan. Yamamoto was presented with a medal, certificate and ¥500,000 prize at the British Embassy Tokyo by British Ambassador to Japan Paul Madden CMG.

British sumo pundit selected for award Doreen Simmons, an English-language sumo commentator for NHK, has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government, The Sun reported on 8 November. Eighty-five-year-old Simmons moved to Japan in 1973. After falling in love with the sport, she would attend tournaments whenever they were held in Tokyo and go to watch matches in Osaka and Nagoya. She took up her role after NHK began offering English commentaries 25 years ago.

bccjacumen.com 11

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Reflect and resolve Big plans for the chamber in 2018 lori henderson mbe

s another year draws to a close, we can pause for reflection and feel proud that our shared British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) network has grown steadily over the past 12 months. We now have more members than at any other time in our soon-to-be 70-year history. In an increasingly volatile and fragmented world, connecting with and staying part of something bigger than your own firm has become ever more important. Supported by the Executive Committee (Excom) and a generous volunteer workforce, our team of three has worked hard to ensure that the chamber is as meaningful as it can be for firms of all sizes across 40 industries, creating platforms for discussion on matters of global importance, as well as on topics to support you at the coalface of your business. Running 40 events per year is the most visible thing we do, but behind the scenes is where the most significant work for members is done: forging public–private sector partnerships, helping a firm find a new lawyer, brokering a commercial tie-up, securing key pieces of industry intel for a business proposal or introducing potential employees. Without

a doubt, the most rewarding days are those on which we touch and help the most members. And no two days—or members—are the same. The year ahead Looking ahead, we can bank on a full year of celebrations as the BCCJ marks its platinum anniversary. The first event will be our New Year Party, to be held in the luxurious surroundings of the Park Hyatt Tokyo on 17 January. Soon after will follow Forecast 2018, and then a variety of events on hot topics for UK–Japan commercial relations such as cybersecurity, initial public offerings, joint ventures, as well as travel and tourism. In May, we will delight in a Royal Wedding, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot at Windsor Castle. While tourists will flock to the UK in droves, BCCJ members can rest assured that we will celebrate the couple’s big day in style. Of course, the calendar would not be complete without our annual British Business Awards in November. We welcome your participation in our 2018 headline event as a sponsor, attendee or nominee. Since we’ll be celebrating such a big

milestone for the chamber, we’re sure the best seats in the house will soon be snapped up, so be certain to secure your corporate table by the deadline of 31 July. Your input If you make one contribution to the BCCJ in 2018, think about refreshing your membership list. Corporate members, why not replace some of your more mature male representatives with rising stars—including women? At BCCJ events these people represent your firm and become its face. Resolve to put your best, most progressive foot forward next year and make a difference to the strength and relevance of our community. Festive wishes Having started the year as a full-time mum and ending it as full-time executive director, my cup overfloweth. Thanks to an empathetic Excom, agile BCCJ office team, flexible working conditions and a husband on paternity leave, my return to work has been smooth and enjoyable. For these things, and your continued support, I am grateful. Happy holidays to you, your teams, families and friends—and we will see you in 2018!

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JAPAN NEWS BY MARK SCHREIBER

MEDIA

Materials summarised from these vernacular press reports are the property of copyright holders that are credited.

small number of firms raise their prices The Nikkei Marketing Journal (10 November) released the results from its 35th survey of the service industry, in which about one out of 10 respondents reported that they had raised prices during fiscal 2016. Topping the list, at exactly 50%, were cleaning services, the price increases of which ranged from under 5% to 70%. This was followed by parcel delivery services, with 44% of firms reporting price increases. A key factor in this increase was Japan’s ongoing labour shortage, particularly for lorry drivers. Among marriage arrangement and wedding services, 40% said they had raised their prices, in some cases doubling their fees. In addition to higher charges for home moving services (37.5%) and child care services (33.3%), other types of business reporting increases included

occupational training schools, membership resorts, hotels and short-term car parks. About one service firm out of three replied that it expected to invest more in facilities during the current fiscal year, up 2.9 points from the previous survey. In contrast, 32.6% said the amount would not change, while 12% said they would be investing less. In descending order, the types of service business planning to increase their investment were: membership resorts (75%); urban cable TV providers (49.5%); short-term car parks (46.4%); tutoring agencies (46.2%); and deluxe bathhouses (46.2%). The main objective for additional investments, as stated by 30.5% of all respondents, was to boost competitiveness. This was followed by 19.4% who gave labour saving and rationalisation measures as the purpose. About 40% of wedding firms raised prices in fiscal 2016. PHOTO: CUSTOM MEDIA

product origin more important for consumers The Japanese have a well-deserved reputation for being picky consumers, particularly when it comes to eating. When the weekly “be between” survey in the Asahi Shimbun (18 November) asked its participants, “Are you very concerned about where food products originate?”, out of the 1,699 valid responses, 83% replied that they were, as opposed to 17% who were not. Among those who scrutinise product labels—or ask vendors—to ascertain where merchandise is produced, the first four entries on the list of items for which they do this were fresh goods, specifically vegetables (1,217 respondents), followed by meat (1,136); fish and other seafood (982); fruit (979); and rice (858). The numbers declined sharply after that: frozen food (547); milk and other dairy products (501); and eggs (429). The top three reasons stated by the respondents for interest in the source were: “I want to have reassurance over the production process” (891 replies); “sensitive about use of pesticides and additives” (809); and “want to show support for producers in a particular region” (452). Regarding specific concerns about imported food items, the points singled out, in declining order, were: country or region of origin (1,387); safety of the production process (607); clear description of contents (555); impact of environmental pollution (496); price (398);

14 bccj acumen, december 2017

freshness (376); familiarity with the brand (213); and name of the manufacturer (196). “Japan’s food standards are also applied to imports, and Japan monitors what enters to a high level”, a 71-year-old man in Yamaguchi Prefecture remarked, adding, “Sanitation conditions at food and beverage businesses are more important”. The survey respondents were also asked to reply to the question, “Aside from the locale, what other factors influence your purchasing decisions?” The top 10 responses were: price (1,332); freshness (1,149); expiration date (919); good taste (910); avoidance of agricultural pesticides and additives (896); volume (445); healthiness (261); manufacturer or seller (228); nutrition data (including calories) (210); and familiarity or brand (169). Some people react to what they read on produce labels with surprise verging on astonishment. “I felt shocked the first time I noticed green beans from Oman”, a Hokkaido woman in her sixties told the paper. “I actually blurted out, ‘They’ve come such a long way’”. With Japan’s self-sufficiency ratio for foodstuffs, on a calorie basis, being less than 40%, one never knows what types of imports might show up on shop shelves.

DECEMBER 2017

leisure spending falls again, but travel booms For the second consecutive year, spending on leisure declined. The White Paper on Leisure 2017, issued by the Japan Productivity Center, said the value of the consumption of leisure-related goods and services during 2016 totalled ¥71tn, a decline of 2% from the previous year and down from ¥73tn in 2014. The white paper has been issued annually since 1977. The latest, compiled via an Internet survey conducted in January, was based on valid responses from 3,328 individuals nationwide ranging in age from 15 to 79. Consumer outlays peaked at about ¥91tn in 1996, and over the following two decades figures dropped to levels not seen since 1988, the last year of the Showa era. In terms of popularity, domestic travel, with 53.3mn tourists, replaced motoring trips as the top-rated activity. Second, in the same place as the previous survey, was eating out at

restaurants (40.9mn), followed in third place by motoring trips and reading, in each of which 38.8mn people took part. Rounding out the top 10 were: • Going to the cinema (35.6mn) • Visiting shopping centres and outlet malls (34mn) • Visiting zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and museums (31.1mn) • Listening to recorded music (30.7mn) • Window shopping (28.6mn). Further down the list, rises in popularity were observed for callisthenic exercise (16th place), playing arcade games (31st place) and DIY carpentry and home repairs (38th place). A 12-page section at the end covered the tourism and recreation segment, with a heavy focus on inbound travellers. Visits to amusement and theme parks rose 1.7% over the year before and, although in 2016 admissions to Tokyo Disney Resort

—the nation’s largest theme park—fell 0.6%, it still attracted more than 30mn visitors for the fourth straight year. Overall outlays per person at such parks were up, leading to a 2.5% year-on-year increase in sales revenues. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka welcomed 14.6mn visitors, up by 5% yearon-year and setting a new record for the third year running. The number of passenger arrivals by visiting cruise ships, particularly from mainland China, surpassed 2mn, posting a new record in 2016. The government is subsidising the expansion of dock facilities in six seaports, including Yokohama, Shimizu, Sasebo and Yatsushiro, and the number of arrivals is projected to more than double by 2020. The growing demands on the hospitality industry have also caused a boom in the construction of hotels, particularly by franchises.

The number of passenger arrivals by visiting cruise ships in 2016 was more than 2mn. • PHOTO: ©JNTO

bccjacumen.com 15

PRESIDENT

The value of strategy Planning can help you get ahead david bickle | @BCCJ_President

eople have thought “strategically” since time immemorial, although for much of history they would not have labelled their thinking as such. There are now many definitions of strategy but, in essence, the term refers—at least for me—to how available means are used to achieve a desired end. As a label for this, the word strategy came into use in the 18th and 19th centuries, initially among military commanders. But even at that time, the difficulties of applying what looks good on paper to the real world were well noted. One acclaimed German field marshal famously commented, “No plan ever survives contact with the enemy”. Since then, the conscious act of formulating and documenting strategies has spread from the military sphere to all areas of human endeavour, including business management, the provision of public services and the search for sporting success. But the same challenges remain, of course, with former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson graphically reminding us that, “Everyone has a plan ’til they get punched in the mouth”.

Useful process So why do we spend so much time documenting strategies if reality and its changing variables can easily render our plans obsolete? Well, developing a strategy is part of that vitally important planning process of setting goals, refining objectives, forming the strategy to achieve those objectives, and detailing a tactical plan of action. The process, and the discipline it encourages, are instructive. In reality, the process is fluid, but without such rigour our lives would be at best chaotic, and at worst aimless. Planning provides direction and greater clarity about the steps to move efficiently from where we are to where we want to be. Our plans will rarely be perfect or immune to criticism, and will be worthless without good execution. They help us focus, however, and when flexible enough to allow innovation, can provide a framework within which to refine and improve our thinking in search of more effective solutions. From that perspective, the UK government’s recently released industrial strategy is a valuable guide to understanding how it wishes to reshape

the UK economy, and where future business opportunities may arise. Experts have much to say about it—both for and against. But the focus on boosting productivity and the growth of future technologies is particularly encouraging. Strong finish Closer to home, I recently attended a European chambers of commerce event at which Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike commented on Tokyo’s strategy to thrive as a modern and vibrant city. Key to this is a desire to revitalise Tokyo as a financial centre, and among the concrete actions highlighted was the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December with the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Charles Bowman (page 51). Focusing on areas such as fintech, green investment, as well as environmental, social and governance, where London has world-class capabilities, this heralds an exciting opportunity for the capital cities to share best practices in a spirit of mutually beneficial partnership. For supporters of UK–Japan business, that is a tremendous way to end 2017.

INSIGHTS

SUCCESS

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TOP STORY

OUR 2018 CRYSTAL BALL Sector chiefs predict next year’s trends, hopes … and fears by maxine cheyney and chris russell

he journey to 2018 has certainly been a tumultuous one. And although political disorder rocked businesses and economies worldwide, we have also been witness to remarkable progress in different sectors and industries. The march of new technologies and artificial intelligence have continued apace. Reflecting this, driverless car technology has broken new ground, cryptocurrencies have made the headlines, fintech has reached new heights, and data has become the new oil. In Japan, the agenda during most of the latter half of the year has concentrated on dealing with various North Korean provocations, a snap election in October that saw Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike fail in her bid to oust Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and a continued strong focus on tourism growth. Meanwhile, the UK has continued its intense Brexit negotiations as it lays the groundwork for a stronger relationship with Japan. At the same time, a move to form a cohesive industrial strategy and grow UK businesses is under way. But what of the future? BCCJ ACUMEN spoke to a number of industry experts to find out what they expect to see in 2018.

18 bccj acumen, december 2017

FINANCE

YASUNORI TAKEUCHI Chief Executive Officer, Japan Standard Chartered Bank, Tokyo Branch

Asia continues to stand out globally in the near- to medium-term with respect to growth. This is evident from the fact that China accounts for one-third of global growth. Since 2001, Japan, in particular, has recorded the longest streak of expansion since 2001. This indicates some success following Abe’s efforts to loosen fiscal and monetary policies, as well as undertake reforms to spur economic growth. North-East Asian economies have weathered interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve, and we remain cautiously optimistic that the US Federal Reserve balance sheet reduction will be meagre and have limited effects on financial markets. Both China’s Belt and Road development initiatives and Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy are not entirely exclusive; there is room for collaboration, including with Japanese and Korean businesses, to seek growing investment

TOP STORY

DANIELE BIANCHI Assistant Professor of Finance Warwick Business School

There are signs of an accelerating professionalisation of cryptocurrencies trading—both the CME and CBOE Global Markets have been given a regulatory green light for listing futures contracts on Bitcoin. This is a significant step since it gives a mainstream instrument to investors and speculators to trade bitcoin. Second, the explosion of initial coin offerings (ICO) is increasing the number of existing cryptocurrencies actually tradable. In this respect, although bitcoin remains the crypto on the headlines, it is quite likely that there will be a consolidation of the overall market for cryptocurrencies, which resemble more and more securities rather than a competitor of fiat money. The main risk in this space is regulatory. If regulators step in decisively, that might generate a contraction in the demand of digital currencies in general. However, this is not a short-term scenario. Although bitcoin keeps making the headlines, it has a market capitalisation that is less than one-third that of Apple’s, which essentially means the size of the market is still too small for regulators to really have to step in. The main challenge is to have big businesses to actually adopt bitcoin and the like. Unless bitcoin can be used to pay taxes, salaries and investments, I find it hard to think that big businesses such as Amazon and Alibaba Group will start to accept bitcoin in the foreseeable future. It is much more likely they will create their own cryptocurrency, which probably will be more similar to a tradable voucher within their own businesses. The very nature of cryptocurrencies and demand-driven assets will keep pricing fluctuating substantially. However, even if the “bitcoin bubble” bursts, the underlying technology—the blockchain—is undoubtedly here to stay for a long time.

“The very nature of cryptocurrencies and demand-driven assets will keep pricing fluctuating substantially”. opportunities within member countries as well as other emerging market economies in the region. Advances in computing power, unrestricted mobility and the explosion of data have enabled the digital transformation of banking on an unprecedented scale. This has also opened up banking to new competition—from both start-ups seeking to capture parts of the value chain (fintechs) as well as new entrants from the Internet economy. Collaboration is inevitable. Banks and fintech firms can have a symbiotic relationship that can be win–win for all parties. Teaming up with fintechs gives us a chance to test out new technology without putting in heavy investments. It allows us to be nimble and to move quickly. Some areas we are focused on are data, IoT, identity, distributed ledger, AI, chat bots, regulatory technology and cybersecurity. Governments in Asia have been taking a leading role in creating an ecosystem for fintechs to thrive by relaxing regulations, providing avenues for experimentation, making it conducive for venture capital to take stakes in companies, and creating networks and forums such as fintech festivals.

ROBERT WILLIAMS Senior Investment Adviser AP Advisers Limited

The fast evolving trend of online technology is both a challenge and opportunity for the financial planning industry. Individuals have easy access to online investment platforms and are increasingly indulging in DIY investing without consulting a professional. Most people, however, recognise the need for a human adviser, so it is also an opportunity for financial planners to use their own online technology to streamline overall fees and increase their clients’ investment returns. Needless to say, the hot topic is cryptocurrencies. If more governments embrace this sector and institutional money continues to flow in, values could continue to rise sharply. Equally, huge potential risks are faced by investors in this space, so our advice, if anyone is considering a punt, is to only invest what you can afford to lose! Looking at more traditional sectors and beyond 2018, we believe alternative energy looks attractive to the longterm investor, as does global infrastructure. This assumes, of course, there are no nasty hiccups like geo-political events and financial crises.

bccjacumen.com 19

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TOP STORY

DAVID SWAN Managing Director Robert Walters Japan K.K.

The ability of firms to secure talented bilingual professionals with specialised skills and abundant experience is increasingly beginning to affect corporate futures and is a key to growing the Japanese economy. The effective job-openings-to-applicants ratio announced by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) moved above 1.5 to 1, the highest level in 43 years, and the majority of firms operating in Japan are faced with labour shortages. Despite this, global and cross-border business accelerated even further in Japan throughout 2017, alongside advances in globalisation and technology. As a result, many firms in a wide range of industries are in greater need of professionals who are both familiar with global business, and proficient in a second language, putting the level of demand for bilingual specialists at an all-time high. Continuing a trend from the latter half of 2016, many industries in 2017 saw a spread in the application of cutting-edge IT technologies, and Japan has recently been facing a significant shortage of engineers who are capable of deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT technologies, and sales specialists who can sell these technologies in Japan and abroad. There has been active discussion around the potential for AI to take jobs away from human beings. However, that will not be the case in Japan, as the country will continue to face an increasingly severe workforce shortage, due mainly to an ageing and declining population. A report by the MLHW indicates that, even with the progression of AI applications in line with the fourth Industrial Revolution, by 2030 there will still be a workforce shortage of about 640,000 people. The need for experienced specialists and professionals for jobs that require human communication, such as sales and management, will increase even more, not to mention all of the new jobs created by advances in technology.

GRANT HABGOOD Managing Director, Japan SThree K.K.

Three trends have been prevalent in financial services (FS). Firstly, due to tightening of Financial Service Agency (FSA) regulations in recent times, the appetite for compliance, risk and audit professionals has been increasing and will continue into 2018. Secondly, within asset management and investment banking, due to improving market conditions an increase in demand is being experienced for front office professionals such as portfolio and relationship managers. Lastly, across most sectors in FS, digital transformation projects and programmes have been on the rise, as many companies look to modernise their marketing or improve their customer experience. Most of these projects are long-term commitments and likewise will continue into 2018. The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a boom period as firms scramble to release new treatments, such as cancer CAR T-cell therapy. This has, in turn, created a high level of demand for professionals within

the medical affairs and medical liaison areas as release dates loom and organisations look to promote these drugs to the market. With the technology market, two trends that stand out are, first, the continuing flood of fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency-related firms entering the market. Hiring is extremely active in this space and it is one of our key focuses. Second, cyber security still proves to be an extremely robust market that continues to grow at an infinitely accelerating pace. Across all three of our target sectors, the underlying trend is that, with gradually improving market conditions, we are seeing more companies trying to hire actively within a limited candidate pool. This pressure on supply has caused an upward movement in salary levels as firms compete to secure talent from the same scarce pool of talent.

ANTHONY HUYNH Senior Consultant, Pharmaceutical Team Titan Consulting K.K.

Although belated, Japan’s healthcare business is finally seeing true momentum in the digitisation of the industry. With the continued convergence of the healthcare and IT sectors, there’ll be more focus on developing health apps and other IT innovations. These could range from wearable patient devices able to enhance data for physician analysis or channels for quicker transferral of information between pharmaceutical firms and healthcare workers. We can also expect there will be a high demand for employees with IT literacy across the board in pharma, as different functions such as procurement and medical affairs seek to improve their processes through further digitisation. One of the main challenges facing our industry, especially in Japan, is continued pricing reforms putting the squeeze on the bottom line. Drugs now have their prices evaluated bi-annually against their own projected forecasts, and we have seen some surprises with big products only receiving barely 50% of their projected price targets here. This puts a larger burden on foreign firms with large investments in the Japan market. In terms of healthcare recruitment, there is no doubt the market is competitive not just locally, but across Asia–Pacific. All the major recruiting firms now have dedicated healthcare teams, and in Japan we have seen more off-shoot shops with a sole focus on healthcare starting up.

PHOTO: MAT WRIGHT/BRITISH COUNCIL

bccjacumen.com 21

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TOP STORY

TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATION

KERVIN GO Country Manager Curvature Japan G.K.

“The IoT and Industry 4.0 will bring a fresh wave of opportunities to Japan”. ALLAN WATANABE Director Pipeline Security KK The world of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected-everything is upon us and automation and smart IoT is the next step. Devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home show us the power of devices being able to simplify everyday tasks. We are also seeing glimpses of the power of automation and smart devices with Industry 4.0 and will likely see more innovation in factories worldwide. With all of this comes the need for better security and new ways to mitigate risks. Ransomware, for example, can be seen, but it gets much more difficult to detect and to provide protection against if the hackers are sabotaging the design of vehicles, changing small elements in chemical products, or changing parameters on medical instruments. The IoT and Industry 4.0 will bring a fresh wave of opportunities to Japan, a country that is very good at building things with great attention to detail. Automation will require precision and Japan will likely be a leader in building some really great solutions. Competition is always fierce and will likely become even harder as we see changes occurring much more rapidly. The move to the cloud has enabled technology firms to innovate at a much faster rate, but also means the loss of market share can be just as quick. Japan’s technology market is still led by firms that existed 100 years ago, yet other countries have new firms as young as 5–10 years old leading their markets. Japan is slowly changing, but we feel it needs to accelerate the change to help the regional market compete and step up in the global market.

IMAGE: WWW.BLUECOAT.COM

The two key themes that IT decision makers are facing that we often hear are to do with the cloud and security. Questions loom such as how we can leverage or implement a cloud strategy. At the same time, security risks through attacks such as ransomware will always be a concern. Implementing new technology to help improve efficiency for workflow processes and providing analytical decisions (for example through big data) is one area that will differentiate competitors, but the key is effective implementation and general acceptance by the workforce. We see more investment and growth in the Asia–Pacific and Japan markets. In the market space that Curvature falls into, we see there is constant need for IT decisions that involve juggling firms’ limited IT budgets between innovation and the status quo.

CHIKA TAKAHASHI Head of Education British Council Japan

The Japanese university sector will become more competitive when it comes to ensuring sustainability. With government subsidies and the youth population on the decline, universities will be required to diversify their revenue sources more than ever. In April 2017, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) eased the regulations for all national universities on lending real estate assets to third parties and management of assets deriving from donations. Kyoto University has a plan to establish a firm in 2018 that will offer consulting and training services. It will be a first-of-its-kind set-up by a national university, and will be made possible under regulations specifically eased for the Designated National Universities (DNU). The DNU system was introduced in 2017 to improve the overall competitiveness of selected Japanese universities. Employers in Japan are finding it difficult to recruit people with the right skills and the higher education sector is required to respond to such demand by developing students’ employability skills and entrepreneurial mindset. In 2018, MEXT plans to enhance various funding schemes for academia–industry consortia. These include a talent development programme in data science and management for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and the “Exploration and Development of Global Entrepreneurship for NEXT generation” (EDGE-NEXT) programme.

KEVIN ROMAO Head of Marketing, Japan S.I. UK

We have noticed, in recent months, that the average age of students enquiring with us to go abroad is getting younger. I believe one reason for this is due to Japanese universities now accepting A Levels as a way of getting in to undergrad courses here. Nowadays, Japanese students can go to sixth form in the UK, and then get in to a Japanese university, using their A Levels as a way of entry. On top of that, the events coming up—the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games—are internationalising people here, increasing motivation to learn other languages. There are also a number of other funding options that are pushing students to go abroad, such as the Tobitate scheme run by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. I predict that more Japanese junior and high school students will look to study abroad. I also know that a number of schools in Japan are slowly incorporating the International Baccalaureate in to their system— this is a major change, as the syllabus is extremely different from the standard school syllabuses here. We are seeing a number of our partners introducing online courses, webinars and similar concepts. I do think for now, though, students in Japan are still looking for “normal” programmes. We are still seeing the value in the traditional face-to-face ideas here.

bccjacumen.com 23

Coming in the January issue of BCCJ ACUMEN A special focus on:

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TOP STORY

MEDIA

ROBERT HELDT Co-founder & President Custom Media KK

Digital marketing and social media will continue to grow at a rapid pace and firms and brands will be forced to engage with their customers on channels that are still relatively new. Meanwhile, these channels are getting more business savvy, constantly changing up their models to boost the bottom line. Understanding these changes and being extremely agile to adapt to them will be critical to succeed. We see many brands in a rush to get on social media without a clear strategy or analysis of whether their brand needs to be there or not—and, if they do, on which channels. Live video streaming also has potential for further growth in 2018, as it offers a more interactive way for businesses and brands to reach customers. Social media platforms are continuing to develop the most effective ways to install this capability into their systems.

With these advances will also come a huge talent shortage, with increasing demand for a tech-savvy, digital marketing workforce with experience in the media industry. One way to solve this, rather than entrusting your valuable brand to a string of young interns, is to use professional content-creation agencies that have a good understanding of digital media and strong networks in the Japanese market. Brands that set key performance indicators for the sake of having them will end up mismanaging budgets or, worse still, overspending and being disappointed with the results. Defining realistic KPIs with a clear purpose for social media is crucial. Is fan growth or fan engagement more important? SIMON FARRELL Co-founder and Publisher

By regularly landing on consumers’ desks— and being kept on their shelves—long-life trusted advertising and professional editorial puts itself way ahead of the relentless and unsolicited adverts, fake news and scams flooding our email inboxes every day. Complemented by digital, hard copy is here to stay.

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Quality print publications, such as BCCJ ACUMEN, and other hard copy marketing material will continue to faithfully serve an influential and affluent niche market in 2018 and beyond.

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TRAVEL

REAL ESTATE

MASAKATSU YAMAMOTO Senior Manager Mori Building Co., Ltd.

According to our annual survey of office needs in Tokyo, more than 60% of firms planning to lease new office space are doing so to expand. The primary reason is to expand business and accommodate an increasing number of employees. The vacancy rate in central Tokyo is at a historical low, and rent has been increasing steadily. Together with the rapid development of new technologies and the second Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, how people think and behave will start to change. And as that changes, developers will need to change, too, as cities are the platform of everyday human activities.

MORAN BIRGER Regional General Manager Japan, Korea and Thailand British Airways Plc

Next year will be an exciting one for the tourism industry in Japan. We will be just a year away from the 2019 Rugby World Cup and two years from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The country will be in the spotlight on the world’s stage once again and the government has a target to attract 40 million inbound tourists from all over the world. We expect to see many initiatives and developments moving forward at full speed. Air travel is about more than moving people from A to B; with so much information easily accessible at their fingertips, tech-savvy travellers today are demanding better products, services and prices when choosing their flights. Today’s travellers are super connected, not only during their stay, but also on board, and we expect this trend to grow further in 2018. This year we started rolling out our latest generation high-speed Wi-Fi services on our longhaul network. We will also become the first airline to offer connectivity on our short-haul flights using Europe’s first-ever 4G high-speed inflight network. We aim to have 90% of our fleet connected by 2019. We also continue to modernise the way customers book seats with us in the 21st century—with significant development of ba.com and the BA app and enhancements to the way we relate to the travel trade.

bccjacumen.com 25

BCCJ EVENT

BUILDING RESILIENCE IN YOUR FIRM Refugees provide model to overcome stress BY CHRIS RUSSELL • PHOTOS: CUSTOM MEDIA

Participants were asked to stand on a scale of one to 10 according to how stressed they were.

t is a rare person who doesn’t feel some kind of stress from their job, with a myriad of potential pressure points leading to mental strains and even adverse effects on health. The problem is particularly acute in Japan, due to its work culture norm being one of long hours and high pressure. But it is a global problem, too. Indeed, the UN’s World Health Organization has described stress as the health epidemic of the 21st century. Developing strategies for managing and limiting stress have become more important then, and on 3 October at the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Tove Kinooka and Gavin Dixon, the co-founders of and consultants at the training firm Global Perspectives K.K., presented a toolbox session on how to develop resilience. Developed in conjunction with Refugees International Japan (RIJ), the session

drew on the stories of refugees as examples of how to overcome major challenges. After the introductory remarks, the toolbox participants were asked to come to the front of the room and arrange themselves in a line according to how stressed they feel on a typical day at work, with one end representing one (not at all stressed) and the other 10 (extremely stressed). Many clustered in the three to six range, and a few stood near or at the top of the scale. Asked by Kinooka why they stood where they did, a number of responses were forthcoming. One man, who stood around the three mark, joked that he didn’t want to admit he was stressed, while others cited time-related pressures and demanding stakeholders as reasons for being further up the scale. But the long-term effects of stress are no laughing matter, either for individuals or those

Gavin Dixon of Global Perspectives

Attendees discussed sources of stress.

26 bccj acumen, december 2017

around them. Attendees spoke of sleep deprivation, grouchiness and not being present at meetings as some of the effects of stress. “Usually I start to feel a negative energy and an inner voice tells me, ‘You cannot do it’ or ‘It’s time to change your job’. But then I have my inner voice on a positive side, so I always have a conflict between the two of them”, one person said. Although a certain level of stress can help push us to greater performance—for example in the way a looming deadline can encourage focus—over the long term, research shows it can lead to bad health, poor relationships, lack of engagement, erratic decision making and decreased productivity. For firms, that can mean resistance to change, performance slumps, failing projects, a toxic culture at the firm, poor staff retention and erratic earnings.

BCCJ EVENT

Learning by example To deal with stress, it is imperative for firms and individuals to build up their resilience. “Things are changing so fast nowadays— more and more stress, more and more change— so organisations need to really get with this and build resilience to cope with it”, said Kinooka. But what is resilience? According to Kinooka, it is “competence in the face of stress”. That is, “the ability to remain focused on your task, productive and connected to the organisational mission, rather than getting distracted by other things, while experiencing tough times”. To understand what this can mean in practice, participants were asked to consider two extreme cases—that of refugees. In small groups, attendees read their stories and shared their thoughts on how they had demonstrated resilience. Adaptability, reflection, perseverance, determination, kindness and open mindedness were just some of the qualities identified. Participants also spoke about the community aspect of the stories and how the subjects were able to turn to others around them or to offer help to those also in need. Similarly, it was noted how we can also do this when it comes to dealing with stress and cultivating resilience. Citing Diane Coutu’s classic 2002 Harvard Business Review article “How Resilience Works”, Kinooka highlighted three common character istics found in resilient people: a staunch acceptance of reality, a deep belief that life is meaningful and an uncanny ability to improvise. Growth mindsets Dixon then shifted the session to focus on how we can build resilience on both a personal and organisational level. “Looking at other people’s experiences, it’s very, very easy to understand what’s going on and what you should do; judging other people is simple”, he said. “But what we want to think about is how we can break out of a negative cycle to build resilience and overcome challenges. “So what do we do? We develop a different mindset”. However, this is easier said than done, not least because mindset has become an illdefined buzzword. To bring clarity to the situation, Dixon spoke about fixed and growth mindsets, as defined by Stanford University Professor Carol Dweck. According to her, fixed mindsets exhibit an inability to change, are usually based on fear—be it of failure, change or loss of status—and are the default setting to which we revert at times of stress.

Case studies from Refugees International Japan were discussed.

Dixon went on to highlight a few key differences between fixed and growth mindsets: • Fixed mindsets believe intelligence and talent are inherent and cannot be improved, while a growth mindset believes these can be developed • Fixed mindsets believe appearing talented outweighs being talented; growth mindsets believe in learning and developing talent • Fixed mindsets do not take responsibility for performance and outcomes; growth mindsets do “If you have a positive, growth mindset, you can embed positive habits to fall back on at times of stress, and outwardly that looks like resilience. But really it is just having the toolset to be able to deal with stressful situations”, explained Dixon. “It enables you to thrive when you’re faced with change, unforeseen challenges or difficult situations”. Making the change Making a transition to a growth mindset involves first identifying where you have a fixed mindset. To do that, Kinooka invited the audience to think about a situation about which they are unhappy. She then posed a series of questions: How might I be contributing to the situation? What is preventing me from doing something about it? How can I learn from this situation or view it differently? To help with the move to a growth mindset, Global Perspectives has developed what it calls the 5As process: • Accept: acknowledge the reality of the situation • Assess: consider the resources and skills needed to develop • Adapt: realign your expectations and approach

• Aspire: set new goals • Act: take steps towards those goals “If you have a framework like this, then you can begin to break out of that cycle, create positive new habits, which then builds resilience in the face of stress”, Kinooka said. “You can then revert to them when things get more stressful. And if you’re doing that with individuals, the ripple effect goes throughout the organisation to help develop a resilient corporate culture”. But Kinooka also emphasised that this needs to be supported by the wider firm. Teams should look at how they work under pressure, departments and organisations should look at their culture and how this helps or hinders resilience, and senior management should consider how they tolerate failure and what they are doing to create an environment where people can take risks. Put into practice The final words of the evening fell to RIJ Executive Officer Jane Best OBE, who addressed the lessons that can be taken from the experiences of the refugees with whom her NGO works. “Once people have got over the trauma, and it’s a pretty awful trauma of losing homes and losing everything, they’ve then got to rediscover that they’re like us and they have these skills and talents that they can put into effect”, she said. “Their stories are a powerful learning tool because it’s much more interesting to talk about somebody else and it pushes you to think outside of your box, and in some cases out of your comfort zone. “It created a discussion, and then you’re able to look back and illustrate this and use these as examples”.

bccjacumen.com 27

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FEELING GOOD ABOUT THE FUTURE

• Sales expected to increase • Vast majority of firms pursuing further growth • Firms negative on Brexit, split on TPP-11

But lack of staff is big worry BY FRANCESCA MADDEN

ince 2002, the Foreign Chambers in Japan (FCIJ) has twice yearly conducted and published a survey of foreign business sentiment in Japan. The poll is designed to facilitate information exchange and to enhance activities for participating organisations. The most recent survey—titled FCIJ Business Confidence Survey Fall 2017: Healthy Growth both for the Economy and Businesses—was conducted between 18 and 27 October. The respondents, from 17 foreign chambers of commerce in Japan, provided a total of 243 valid responses. The index used throughout this survey ranged from +2 (strong improvement) to -2 (strong decline). Good mood Respondents remain positive about the Japanese economy following the healthy growth noted in the survey conducted in October last year. Firms expect Japan’s economy to continue growing over the next six months, with the index displaying a rise to +0.67 from +0.40 in April. This is also shown in the 12-month forecast, which rose to +0.73 from +0.55. The performance of firms reflected this economic buoyancy with both backward- and

forward-looking indices showing improvement. Reported sales performance during the past six months grew to +0.77 from +0.70 in the poll earlier this year. Meanwhile, the sales forecast for the coming six months predicts a rise: from +0.87 to +0.93, the highest since April 2007. That said, profitability growth slowed, having declined from +0.66 to +0.61 over the previous six months. Nonetheless, the forecast index for the subsequent six months rose from +0.75 to +0.78, revealing the potential for minor improvement. Going for growth The majority of firms—62%—stated that the reason behind the changes in business performance were a result of their own efforts which, in turn, had determined their strategies. Overseas firms are highly optimistic about business in Japan, as is reflected by the strong, positive growth of the various indices. Indeed, 81% of businesses are looking for further growth and 16% plan to maintain their current level of business. Only 2% indicated they plan to downsize, while one respondent was considering withdrawing from Japan.

SALES FORECAST FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS

Global impact Respondents were asked to comment on a number of recent developments. When asked about the changes to the inheritance and gift tax law, 75% said they would feel no impact, while 19% said they would experience some negative impact. The second question differed according to the country to which the respondent’s chamber is linked. Europeans were asked about the effect of Brexit, to which 60% responded that it would be bad for both the UK and the European Union (EU), while 24% answered that it would be bad for the UK—yet good for the EU. In terms of the Trans-Pacific Partnership-11 agreement, about which the remaining respondents were asked, just under half thought it would have no impact on them, while 41% anticipated a positive impact. Some 76% of this latter group of respondents do not expect changes in the North American Free Trade Agreement to affect their business in Japan. Asked what the biggest challenges are in the Japanese market, the most cited issue, by a large margin, concerned labour, particularly the hiring and retaining of good staff.

GROWTH STRATEGY FOR JAPAN

bccjacumen.com 29

TRAINING

WOEFUL SALES STAFF

• Find buyers with the greatest needs • Tailor your message • Push back against discounting

Basic errors for your staff to avoid BY DR GREG STORY

hree woeful contributions from salespeople include, “We have this widget”, “Do you want it?” and “We can discount the price”. What a mess right there. Yet, left to their own devices, this is the type of nonsense salespeople say to clients. Serving the client’s best interests is Job One for salespeople, so why aren’t they having a proper conversation with the prospective buyer? They are untrained, unprofessional and unskilled. What should they be saying? Going through the detail of the latest release, model, new variation and so on is pointless. We don’t have anything for the buyer until we have some idea of what they need. Yet out come the brochures, detailing the specs, trying to lure buyers with glossy photos and text. This has its place, of course, yet timing is everything. The prospective buyer wants it in pink, but we don’t know that. If we head off on a roll about the wonder of our blue range, we are going to get nowhere, glossy photos or otherwise. Mind the gap Ask the buyer about where they are now with their business and then where they want to be. The size of the gap tells the salesperson whether or not they are the solution to closing that gap. If the gap is not so large, better to go and find a buyer who has the opposite situation. Don’t waste more of anyone’s time. If there is a sizeable gap, ask why they haven’t filled it in themselves. What an ace question. In the answer is a hint as to whether

we have the magic remedy for their problem. By listening to them, we may discover that we don’t have what they need. No need to wrestle the prospective buyer to the ground and try to force them to buy. Get out of there and find someone who you can provide with a solution.

them will differ. Similarly, the way we deliver the solution during our explanation will vary depending on their personality. Are they a straight-down-to-business or a let’s-have-acup-of-tea type of buyer? Are they big picture or highly detail orientated?

Know who you are talking to The next question in this escalation is about their why. There is the unit’s why, the division’s why, the firm’s why, and then their own personal why. This last why is the key driver of buyer behaviour, just as we are driven by our own best interests. Once we know what success means for them, we have an idea of how to present the solution at a later stage. Going through the details and then asking, “Do you want it?” is not impressive as a means of getting someone to go for the purchase. Instead, having understood what they need and having ascertained we can provide it, we now and, only now, introduce our product or service. But we need to check a couple of things off before we go into solution explanation mode. Who are we talking to? Is this the big picture, macro-focused, vision realisationdriven firm’s chief executive officer? Or are we talking to detail-orientated people such as the chief financial officer and the technical buyer, who want three decimal places and all the microanalysis possible? Are they the user–buyer, who is thinking about ease of application, aftersales service and hand holding if needed? Depending on where they sit in the firm, our explanation of the suitability of the solution for

Standing firm Discounting is the cancer of sales. It is a brand killer, a symbol of low value, a slippery slide for which there is only one direction, and that is down. The salesperson is like water. They find the path of least resistance and the antidote to price preservation is discounting, because it is easy. Salespeople are here to provide value. If there is a push for discounting, it had better be related to volume purchases. The defence of the brand is critical and price preservation is needed if the organisation is to stay in business. This is the salesperson’s job—to provide perceived value. There are budget limits, policies, stupidities, excuses and justifications aplenty as to why the price has to go down. Salespeople need to defend the price at all costs, including by walking away. That is painful, especially with monthly targets and pressure raining down on your head like shrapnel, but stand your ground you must. Provide a better explanation of the value and do better research on where this solution can help the customer grow their sales, so that the additional business makes the product essentially free.

Discounting is the cancer of sales. It is a brand killer, a symbol of low value, a slippery slide for which there is only one direction, and that is down.

bccjacumen.com 31

PUBLICITY

ENHANCED EXPERIENCE

ANA InterContinental ups Tokyo’s game

n the three decades since first opening its doors, the ANA InterContinental Tokyo has become an instantly recognisable part of the city’s skyline—and a key piece of the fabric that connects business, government, tourism and social activities in Japan’s capital. Michel Chertouh, who worked for five years at the InterContinental Hotels Group’s Bali property, arrived in August as the new regional general manager for Tokyo and Okinawa. He told BCCJ ACUMEN that he intends to build on the heritage that the hotel has established over the years while simultaneously evolving its offerings to meet the constantly growing needs and desires of guests. Prime property “The hotel’s location, its range of facilities, its selection of guest rooms and suite accommodations, its extensive restaurants and bars, its reputation for fine service and the global appeal of the InterContinental brand all form the basis of its popularity”, he said. “Looking to the future, as our markets and customer audiences—both here and abroad— continue to change, our exciting challenge will be to ensure that the offerings of ANA InterContinental Tokyo also evolve to ensure their relevance”, he said. Room to relax Underlining this commitment to provide the very best services and facilities was the introduction in November of brand-new Club InterContinental rooms, which offer

a “distinctly enhanced experience” and are accompanied by the Club InterContinental lounge experience for guests. The design of the rooms was inspired by the spirit of kintsugi, the Japanese art of using gold

Bright future “For me, both professionally and personally, it is a fantastic time to be in Japan, with economic growth, a strengthening position on the world stage, and an impressive special events calendar

to repair broken pottery to transform it into a new thing of beauty. The new rooms feature king-sized beds with luxury linen and have been designed to make the most of the breathtaking views of the city. Guests can enjoy Ferragamo amenities and a THANN Spa upgrade program, and can also request a range of services—including Tokyobike rentals—that will give them a unique interface with the city.

that includes the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics. “I firmly believe these elements will serve to amplify the vibrant destination appeal of both Tokyo and Japan, and I am looking forward to working hard with my team and our local partners here to extend this appeal well into the future.” And the potential of the ANA InterContinental Tokyo, he believes, is immense. “Through product and service innovation, we will ensure that the hotel’s venues play a leading a role in the city’s dining, events and celebrations market”, he said. “At the same time, continued capital investment in the physical product will ensure that our guest rooms and public spaces contribute to Tokyo’s destination appeal, both through direct experience and through our international marketing efforts. “We can already see that happening and it is a pleasure to be part of it”.

Tasty treats For foodies, a two Michelin-star breakfast designed by renowned French chef Pierre Gagnaire or a sumptuous afternoon tea experience in the Club InterContinental Lounge overlooking the city is a wonderful way to relax. “This is all quite unique and has been designed to very much connect our guests with the city and the very best that is available in Tokyo”, Chertouh said. And with the city gearing up to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Chertouh believes this is the perfect time to be in Japan. “This is a hugely exciting environment, and there will be a lot going on in the coming months and years—which is rather a contrast to my previous post in Bali, where every day was a Sunday for our guests, the vast majority of whom were holidaymakers”.

Reservations or inquiries: 0120-455-655 9am–6pm (Closed on Sundays and New Year’s Day) www.anaintercontinental-tokyo.jp/en

It is a fantastic time to be in Japan, with economic growth, a strengthening position on the world stage, and an impressive special events calendar that includes the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics.

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MYANMAR:

REBUILD AND REVIVE Scots cruise firm helps two nations fix empire outpost BY JULIAN RYALL

o Paul Strachan, visiting Myanmar “is like stepping back in time”. And as the descendant of ship builders from Glasgow who made vessels that plied Myanmar’s rivers a century ago, he has a historic association with a nation that has in recent months made headlines around the world for all the wrong reasons. Yet Strachan is a firm believer in the potential of Myanmar and its people. So much so, in fact, that he has virtually single-handedly resurrected a firm that for decades operated the largest privately owned river fleet in history and was a by-word for the British Empire in the country. Today, Strachan’s firm, Pandaw Cruises Ltd, follows in the wake of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company (IFC) and remembers its fateful links to Japan. For three years from 1942, Britain and Japan were at each others’ throats in the jungles and

mountains of a country known at the time as Burma. Sixty-five years later, the two nations are among the most engaged members of the international community as Myanmar makes tentative steps away from military dictatorship and towards stability, prosperity and democracy.

Paul Strachan, founder of Pandaw Cruises Ltd.

Setting sail The British government has in recent months committed to providing a total of £47mn to support members of the Rohingya ethnic group, who have been forced to flee Myanmar, and called on the government to “stop the violence and ensure access” for humanitarian workers. The campaign is part of a broader effort by the UK to bring about meaningful reforms in a nation that was between 1852 and 1948— overlooking Japanese control of much of the country during World War II—part of the British Empire. Japan International Cooperation Agency is also active in Myanmar, helping to build wells, schools, hospitals, airports and other infrastructure across the nation. In one of the agency’s most recent projects, a new school opened in August in the village of Ywar Thit to replace buildings that were swept away in extensive flooding during July 2015.

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Congratulations to

Kazuo Ishiguro

Nobel Laureate 2017

Photo: Jeff Cottenden

starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. The Nobel Foundation awarded this year’s Literature Prize to Ishiguro, “who, in novels of great emotional force, has uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world”.

Discover the magic of Ishiguro’s books and more at

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Other efforts are being undertaken in the private sector, such as Strachan’s travel firm. “I am the fifth generation of shipbuilders from Glasgow and, in 1981, I followed in my great-grandfather’s footsteps to come to Burma, where I took an internship at a power station”, Strachan told BCCJ ACUMEN. “Drawn back a few years later to write a book about the UNESCO-registered monuments of Pagan, I found the history, the culture and art of this country fascinating. “And then in 1998, having discovered an original Clyde-built steamer called Pandaw, my wife and I set about restoring it”, he said. “We went on to establish the first river cruise firm since colonial times”. Rich history Strachan pointed out that the IFC, at its peak, was a remarkable firm. Between 1864 and 1948, it ordered 1,187 ships and carried 1.24mn tonnes of cargo and 9mn passengers a year, with the express steamer taking five days to travel between the city then known as Rangoon (now as Yangon) and Mandalay. Of the 11,000 employees, 200 were expatriate Brits—the vast majority Scots—and the largest vessel in the

The firm was such an integral part of life in this outpost of empire that it warrants several lines in Rudyard Kipling’s Mandalay. fleet was 99m from bow to stern and was able to carry 4,000 passengers. The firm was such an integral part of life in this outpost of empire that it warrants several lines in Rudyard Kipling’s Mandalay, with the poet describing “Where the old Flotilla lay”. The ships’ days were numbered, however, when British forces were unable to stem the Japanese invasion of Burma in the early months of 1942. To stop more than 500 vessels falling into the hands of the enemy, they were scuttled in the river. Former glory After the war and with Burma’s independence in 1948, there was no effort to rebuild the fleet and it appeared to be gone forever. Until 1995, when Strachan casually boarded a derelict vessel tied

up on the riverbank that had become home to squatters, including pigs. Strachan quickly realised that the vessel bore all the hallmarks of a Clyde-built steamer, although it is not clear how it had survived the war or the intervening 50 years. The brass fittings had long gone and it was not clear that the vessel was river-worthy, but Strachan decided there and then to buy it and return it to its former glory. That vessel became the MV Pandaw and, 22 years later, the firm operates eight ships in Myanmar and has other cruises on rivers in Laos, China and Thailand. “Despite the localised unrest on the border, this is a great time to explore, as the country has never been more open to travel with so many new areas opening up”, Strachan said. “There is so much to see and do throughout the contrasting regions, from the Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south. “And we aim to recapture the golden era of personalised travel along the rivers of Burma by offering a unique way of exploring rural riverside communities, their history and temples. “It really is the best way to see this incredible country”.

Pandaw’s cruises bring back the journeys of yesteryear.

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TRAVEL

Kyushu:

Cornwall of Japan Island abounds with UK-related draws BY FRANCESCA MADDEN

he island of Kyushu, just like the rest of Japan, is blessed with a range of natural beauty. As the southernmost of the country’s four main islands, it enjoys a subtropical climate, a long coastline, mountainous areas and hot springs. The springs have been produced by the island’s numerous volcanoes, which include the nation’s largest active one, Mount Aso. From vibrant cities to historic towns and natural beauty, each of Kyushu’s nine prefectures has something incredible and distinctive to offer. Thanks to the island’s historical connections to the UK, there is a strong appeal for British visitors and much for them to explore. Indeed, Kyushu’s tourist organisations are now tapping into this link to drum up further interest. Comparing Kyushu’s many cities, Alex Bradshaw, public relations manager of the Sengan-en stately home in Kagoshima, said that, “for city breaks, Fukuoka and Kumamoto have a kind of cool cosmopolitan vibe, while Nagasaki and Kagoshima are far more laid back”. He added that it’s “not often you can say you can chill out in a Japanese city!” Similarly, according to Graham Davis, owner of the Cottage Davis B&B on the island

of Yakushima, just off Kagoshima, and a former member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan Executive Committee, “Fukuoka and Kagoshima are both fun and welcoming places, but the real attractions are in the countryside and on the islands. You can’t help but relax”. Step back in time The relationship between Japan and the UK began with the 1600 arrival of William Adams on the shores of Kyushu, in what is now Oita Prefecture. Since then, the island has borne witness to many events and interactions between the two countries. For those interested in the two nations’ shared history, there are a number of historical sites and monuments well worth visiting. “Kagoshima’s connection with the UK is perhaps stronger than almost anywhere else, and possibly one of the strongest in Japan”, said Bradshaw. The city’s Gion-no-su Park, for example, marks where began the Anglo–Satsuma War, a short conflict in 1863 between the Royal Navy and the Satsuma clan. The remains of a battery are located in the park, while nearby a stone bridge and memorial commemorate the battle. The Site of the Shin-hato Battery also marks where a clash took place.

On a more peaceful note, a visit to Senganen, a stately Japanese home with unbroken views over the bay, is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Strengthening the UK link, members of the British Royal Family visited the historic gardens and cultural complex in 1922. Next year, Bradshaw intends to step up Sengan-en’s marketing to Europe and particularly to the UK. The site also encompasses buildings that were an important part of the Meiji Restoration (1868), which saw Japan modernise and come under the influence of the Western world. The neighbouring grand house, Ijinkan, also known as the Foreigners Residence, is where a group of British engineers were employed to teach modern manufacturing techniques to local individuals. Meanwhile, Shoko Shuseikan, a machinery factory on the grounds of the house, further showcases this history and recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it isn’t just Kagoshima that boasts extensive links to the UK. Thomas Glover, a Scottish merchant who lived in Nagasaki, is an important figure in Japan–UK historic relations and he played an integral role in the modernisation witnessed during the Meiji

PHOTO: NAGASAKI PREFECTURE/FIND 47

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Restoration. Today, his residence, in the Glover Garden, is the oldest Western-style building in Japan and attracts millions of visitors each year. This historic mansion offers broad views across the port, as well as a fascinating glimpse of life in Glover’s time. Bonding with nature But there are a number of more contemporary attractions, too. The UNESCO-listed island of Yakushima, for example, has a dense, remnant of an ancient forest that is unique in the region—some trees dating back thousands of years—as well as beaches and luxury resorts. “The big tourist spots are heavily promoted, but there are many others, such as Yakushima, that are word-of-mouth destinations”, said Davis. “I think it is a good balance. And the number of small, independent restaurants, hotels, pensions and tourist facilities means that there is great variety and imagination. I think this is something special to Kyushu”. It is this blend of sights, activities and environments that draws many people to the island. “For British travellers, the lure of Kyushu is really the outdoors, the smaller more relaxed cities with authentic nightlife, a sense of adventure, and also the sea”, said Bradshaw. “It’s a bit like the Cornwall of Japan”, he added. And Kyushu–UK links persist to this day. Intrepid James Bond fans might be interested in visiting Minami-satsuma City in Kagoshima, since the area of Bonotsucho served as the location for the grand waterfront villa in You Only Live Twice, which was filmed exactly 50 years ago. Tuck in In terms of wining and dining, British tourists will feel right at home with the range of culinary choices across Kyushu. From Shiroyama Hotel’s award-winning craft brewery, which produces and distributes London Ale across Kagoshima, to Mars Whisky’s newest Tsuniki Distillery, where you can taste their whisky that has been distilled in special conditions to cope with the heat of the subtropical climate. Nagasaki’s history as a huge trading port, meanwhile, has led to noticeable Western influence over the city’s features, something that manifests itself in its famous culinary scene, which is an Eastmeets-West fusion. For example, Kagetsu, a traditional Japanese restaurant or ryotei, boasts Dutch and Chinese influences in both the restaurant’s design and the food it serves, making for an interesting dining experience. Back on Yakushima, Cottage Davis welcomes British tourists who “want to enjoy Yakushima and what it has to offer from a comfortable base, so we offer … great food and wine”, said Davis, whose wife is a chef and ran a restaurant in Tokyo for 15 years. “Our breakfast is Western-style, and we are very proud of it. It is great to see people leaving for their day ahead on a full stomach!” Bradshaw pointed out that the Kyushu–UK shared history continues to develop to this day. “Trade was initially established between the two countries in the early 1600s at Hirado”, he noted. “More recently, Eddie Jones, the England rugby coach, has decided to use Miyazaki as his base camp for the 2019 Rugby World Cup”, another thing that will no doubt help put Kyushu on the map for British tourists.

Cape Sata • PHOTO: KAGOSHIMA PREFECTURE/FIND 47

Sengan-en • PHOTO: SENGAN-EN

Sakurajima • PHOTO: SENGAN-EN

Shoko Shiseikan • PHOTO: SENGAN-EN

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PUBLICITY

KYUSHU: RELAX & REJOICE Every area has something for someone

yushu (literally, nine provinces), Japan’s third-largest island, is located southwest of the main island, Honshu. Most overseas visitors do not know of Kyushu, and exclaim, “It’s far away, isn’t it?” But it’s not that far, being only 90 minutes by plane from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) to Fukuoka. Kyushu is there, waiting for you. As the historical gateway of Japanese civilization, the island offers many historic treasures and modern cities, as well as astounding natural beauty. www.welcomekyushu.com/ onsen-movie/

ASO The magnificent Mount Aso Caldera stretches 24km from north to south, and 18km east to west, while the craggy volcanic peaks cover an area of 4km from its centre. Mount Naka, in the middle of the basin, is the main attraction in the area and is among the largest calderas in the world. With a diameter of 600m, a depth of 130m,and a circumference of 4km, the caldera is surrounded by dynamic scenery. When Mount Naka is particularly active, approaching the crater isn’t permitted, but, if you do have the chance to see it, take the 900m Mount Aso ropeway or go there by car.

YAKUSHIMA Yakushima is an island that had about 20% of its forest registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The island is known as the “Alps in the ocean”, since it has Mount Miya-no-ura, the highest peak in Kyushu that was selected as one of Japan’s best 100 mountains, Add to this Wilson’s Stump, the Jomon Cedar, other large, ancient Yaku cedars, and the nation’s northernmost forest of banyan trees. Depending on your time and energy, there is the National Recreation Forest for leisurely strolls, the river for canoeing and river trekking, and the ocean for snorkelling and other marine sports. Nagata-hama beach, on the island’s northern shore, is a worldfamous spawning area for sea turtles. 2

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YUTOKU INARI SHRINE Located in the city of Kashima, this is one of the most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari—a god associated with rice prosperity and foxes—and is the third largest of its type in the whole country. The shrine, which was founded in 1687, is built into a valley hillside and is a popular location for new year celebrations.

TAKACHIHO Takachiho Gorge, formed of lava from Mount Aso, has eroded over time to create cliffs 80–100m high made up of volcanic basalt columns. The ancient abysses, with water trickling down from the rocks, are complemented by vivid greenery in early summer and tinted leaves in autumn. Part of the way along the gorge is the 17m-high Minai-no-taki waterfall, which cascades into the river below. It is truly impressive seen against the backdrop of dense green foliage and the surrounding grey cliffs.

UNZEN Dotted around the area known as Unzen Jigoku (also Unzen Hell) are as many as 30 hot springs. The area is covered with white clay that is emitted from the hot and cold springs. The Shiro-dodan azalea cluster, designated as a natural monument, can be found there, as can a monument to the 26 Japanese Christians who were executed in the 17th Century in the springs’ boiling water.

YUFUIN Yufuin Onsen is located at the foot of the elegant Mount Yufu. At one time, it was just a small, therapeutic bathing area by Lake Kinrin. However, since the 1970s, events—including film and music festivals and the Beef-Eating Screaming Competition—have been held to try to slow down regional decline and the onsen has become famous. Today, people flock to this highly ranked hot spring. A variety of lodgings can be found here, including traditional and elegant ryokan (inns) and boarding houses. Although overlooked by many tourists, some spots, including the Christian Cemetery, are rich in history. The local climate is typical of a river basin, and as a result morning mist is visible in winter and Lake Kinrin is famous for being especially misty.

YATAI Fukuoka’s yatai—open-air food stands—are one of the city’s best known symbols and they can be relied upon to serve up tasty ramen and other street food. Kurume City, known as the birth place of tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, has 11 ramen shops and one food stall within 10 minutes’ walk of Nishitetsu Kurume Station. The poet and novelist Kazuo Dan (1912–76) praised Kurume’s ramen as being the best in Japan. The heavy pork flavour and cloudy white colour of its soup are the dish’s trademarks.

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PUBLICITY

PARADISE FOUND

The enchanting natural delights of Yakushima

ocated on the peaceful subtropical island of Yakushima, the Sankara Hotel & Spa sits in a paradise just a two-hour flight from Tokyo. It is a perfect escape from busy city life, offering almost everything the capital is not—dead slow, whisper quiet and with stunning wild nature. Yet it is convenient, with ample entertainment. The hotel’s exceptional butler service adds to the overall relaxing and luxurious experience. “The friendly and professional bilingual team at Sankara Hotel took complete care of us, without being intrusive—from a warm welcome with a fast, friendly check-in, to a sadly too-soon sayonara”, said recent guest Simon Farrell, publisher of BCCJ ACUMEN. A butler brings guests trays full of delicious local and foreign menu items to their room or private suite, where guests can relax, immersed in the gentle sounds of the deep forest and views of the surrounding nature. “The massive timber balcony with sweeping ocean views was our favourite breakfast spot, and the twinkling stars and bright moon at night were breathtaking”, said Farrell. Spoil yourself The Sankara Hotel offers a wide range of activities, amenities and services, from a dip in the sprawling swimming pool overlooking the ocean, to French restaurants and the fitness room and library lounge. “The agony of choice is that you can join other guests in the restaurants, serving regional and French cuisine, bars and other public places—or stay in your room and enjoy the attentive butler service and cosy accommodation”, said Farrell. Soothing spa treatments, meanwhile, are most welcome after a long day’s hiking through Yakushima’s lush and verdant forests, or simply

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as a way of easing away the city’s stresses and strains. Treatments in the hotel’s special suites for couples, friends and families feature the memorable aromas and themes of ocean, mountain, forest, water, rain and sun. Nature’s way Outside of the hotel, you can hire a car and drive around the mountainous island’s coastal route in one full day, while stopping along the way to get up close to nature. The indigenous Yakushima macaque, for example, is no longer an endangered or rare species, and can often been seen lolling photo genically in the island’s mountains. And at the beach, colourful sea life—including tropical fish, turtles and crabs—abound. It is here that you will also find public spas right by the sea. “You can sit on the smooth rocks with your feet soaking in the lapping spa water as your

eyes take in the stunning ocean views”, said Farrell. “Be careful you don’t fall asleep!” And while in the area, why not take the chance to dine nearby at authentic and colourful local izakaya, where friendly regulars warmly greet you, offering local delicacies. First class With its luxury rooms and suites, year-round natural beauty and first-class amenities, Sankara has become the go-to resort on Yakushima. Unsurprisingly then, Farrell says he intends to visit again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the hotel to a friend. “Next time we will plan to stay at least a week to experience and explore more of the island”. info@sankarahotel-spa.com www.sankarahotel-spa.com/en/ +81-997-47-3488

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WELCOME BACK

Unzen Kanko Hotel offers nostalgic stays

www.unzenkankohotel.com/english/

nzen has long been a much-loved summer resort among foreigners; during the Meiji era (1868–1912), the area was developed especially for foreign guests. After the opening in the area of Japan’s first public golf course, and the inauguration of a ferry service connecting Nagasaki and Shanghai, Unzen became a very popular destination. And in 1934, Unzen became the nation’s first national park. Western culture brought to Japan during this time played a key role in shaping its bunmei kaika—civilisation and enlightenment— movement, which influenced the style of the hotels built in that era. These, in turn, had a substantial impact on the Japanese lifestyle. Classic hotels dating back to that time have passed down the ambience of the Meiji era and lately have been drawing increased domestic and overseas attention. To preserve and promote these hotels, the Japan Classic Hotel Association was formed. Guests at the hotels represented can pick up a “passport” to collect stamps from each hotel, with rewards available depending on how many stamps are collected. Among the nine hotels in the group (as of November 2017), the only one in Kyushu is the Unzen Kanko Hotel, which was built before World War II and is both a National Asset and Registered Tangible Cultural Property. With 83 years of history and a strong tradition, the hotel is passing on to future generations the classic spirit of the past. “Not just a place to stay, but a place to live” is the philosophy of this luxurious resort. It is because of the hotel’s strong sense of history that it was designated an important National Asset and Registered Tangible Cultural Property. When guests arrive, staff greet them with a “Welcome back to Unzen!” The hotel wants them to feel that they have come back home; they are not at a hotel, but somewhere they can really relax.

Satoko Funahashi, general manager of Unzen Kanko Hotel

Satoko Funahashi, the hotel’s general manager, has drawn upon her experience in Europe to strengthen various aspects of the establishment. “As I lived in Europe for a long time and am a graduate of a hotel school in Switzerland, I have built a strategic partnership with Switzerland”, she said. “The Swiss chalet-style building, and the landscape of Unzen have given our hotel a similarity with the mountainside resorts of Switzerland”, Funahashi, who also studied tourism in the United States, added. “I have invited a jazz band from Switzerland for an event at the hotel and developed a new fusion cuisine from traditional Swiss food and local Unzen dishes. “These ‘East meets West’ touches are all part of my ‘back to the origin’ brand strategy”.

Philosophy and tradition There are plenty of amenities to keep guests entertained during their stay, including a billiards room and a bar that has welcomed people from all over the world for 83 years. There is also the hotel’s stunning onsen (hot spring), where you can take a relaxing dip in classically styled surroundings. And the nearby bubbling, gaseous springs of Unzen Jigoku are a popular tourist attraction. Meanwhile, epicures are well catered for at the hotel’s restaurants. They can enjoy Unzen cuisine mixed with French cooking using locally grown seasonal products in the grand and spacious dining hall. Guests are encouraged to try the traditional beef curry. which pairs well with the reds on the wine list, and Gorgonzola baked cheesecake.

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PUBLICITY

SPORTING CHANCE

How the British School in Tokyo is using sport to build on success by brian christian

stablished almost 30 years ago at the very heart of this exciting city, the British School in Tokyo (BST) has steadily built for itself an enviable global reputation. As an accredited member of the Council of British International Schools and one of only a small number of schools worldwide to have been independently inspected according to the UK standards for British Schools Overseas—for which it has been judged to be excellent in every category—we aspire to set for ourselves the very highest standards in all that we seek to do. Now home to well over 1,000 students, BST is a school where young people of all abilities from the most diverse backgrounds can find their niche and fulfil their potential. Over the past five years, we have seen the number of 15–18-yearold students on our IGCSE and A Level courses rise towards the 300 mark. Meanwhile, examination results have improved to the point where they match the gold standard set by the United Kingdom independent sector. Our graduates now regularly win places at some of the most prestigious universities in the UK and around the world. All-round study BST is, of course, much more than an A Level school. All examinations are important, and many parents are impressed by the rigour and structured progression of our particular brand of British education for children from the age of three through to 18. That said, students here know that education is not simply about passing exams. Sport, music and drama are woven into the fabric of school life, and we see both community service and adventurous activity as real strengths. From their early years in our nursery and reception classes, children are given countless

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opportunities to develop the independence and resilience that will enable them to take the next step in their education, wherever it might take them, with confidence—and a smile. Leaving a legacy As Japan prepares to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup and looks forward to the Olympic and Paralympic Games just a year later, we are working closely with a range of national and international organisations in order to lay the foundations for a meaningful legacy at the school. We have recently welcomed a number of high-profile visitors from the world of sport to inspire our students. And with the introduction of a range of new sports to our sporting calendar, including climbing and a triathlon, we are determined that the next few years will see an upsurge in interest and involvement at all levels. Of course, it is not simply a matter of active participation. There are so many valuable life lessons to be learnt from elite sport: leadership,

teamwork and the resilience to overcome adversity or to go the extra mile. Then there are those essential life skills with which any ambitious young athlete has to get to grips more quickly than the rest of us: focus, self-discipline, personal organisation—as well as recognition of the vital role that a good night’s sleep and a healthy diet play in our ability to perform at our best. Making the most of it At a time when there are so many concerns about the health and well-being of young people, the opportunities afforded by such proximity to these major events in the international sporting calendar are just too good to miss. They remind us that we have an obligation to do everything within our power to give our children the start in life that they deserve, to help them develop the mindset, skills and habits that will stay with them long after they have moved on from our care. There are some exciting times ahead!

SPORT

s the 2019 Rugby World Cup draws near, Japan is preparing its stadiums to host the best in the sport. Now that the fixtures have been announced, the English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish and other teams know where they will be playing. For fans, that means they can begin to think ahead to where they will be cheering their team. As the first Rugby World Cup to be held in Asia, the event promises a completely different venue experience compared with previous cups in Europe, Australasia and South Africa. Moreover, with Japan’s varied regions, there will be much to see and do. Opportunities to capitalise on tourism in these areas are boundless. Each of these stadiums is in an area that offers a wealth of attractions and activities to round off a rugby-focused visit to Japan. Here are the stadiums that will be featuring the home nation teams and some of the activities and sites to include in your travel plans.

kumamoto stadium wales vs. the americas second qualifying team (13 october) Famous for the reconstructed Kumamoto Castle—one of Japan’s largest and most complete—the city is steeped in history. The Suizenji Garden, said to be Japan’s largest, has a mineral-rich spring from the waters of Mount Aso. It was originally built by daimyo (lord) Hosokawa Tadatoshi in 1636, and was created as a tea retreat with features representing the stations of the historic Tokaido route that linked Tokyo and Kyoto. Kumamoto is also famous as the former home of the writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850–1904). His residence—now preserved as a museum—gives an insight into his life and times.

sapporo dome england vs. tonga (22 september)

tokyo stadium australia vs. wales (29 september) england vs. argentina (5 october) The vibrant city of Tokyo has a cornucopia of sites to visit for anyone planning to attend these two matches. The stadium, located in the city of Chofu, is a short train ride from Tokyo’s bustling central hubs. From Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful green spaces, and the Tokyo Imperial Palace properties to the Asakusa Shrine, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple Senso-ji and the famous Tsukiji fish market, you will get a taste of Japan’s traditions and heritage. And old meets new here, too, with Harajuku’s unique youth fashion culture, towering skyscraper shopping malls and the tech district Akihabara.

The Sapporo region is on the mountainous northern island of Hokkaido, renowned for the ski resort of Niseko. The island previously hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics skiing events. Although the ski season won’t have begun, there will be plenty to do, including visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum, which holds tasting sessions and has a beer garden that traces the city’s history. And you can still enjoy the outdoors as the city’s delightful autumn foliage reveals itself. The famous Odori Park, which hosts the annual Sapporo Autumn Fest throughout September, is a great place to relax between games, as is Shiroi Koibito Park, which includes the Ishiya Chocolate Factory.

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SPORT

kobe misaki stadium england vs. the united states (26 september) If you are heading over to watch this match in Misaki Park, located on an island in Osaka Bay, take the time to explore the hot spring baths in Kobe after a long match afternoon. You can also search out Nankin-machi, a historic Chinese hub, for dining and shopping. The city is also home to the Kobe Animal Kingdom, Kobe Oji Zoo and Suma Aqualife Park. Meriken Park, built on reclaimed land, hosts a range of modern art installations, fountains and iconic contemporary architecture, such as the red Kobe Port Tower, with its panoramic views of the city. And of course, don’t forget to sample some world-famous Kobe beef.

city of toyota stadium wales vs. georgia (23 september) It’s all things Toyota in the city of Nagoya. The Toyota Automobile Museum and the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art are just two ways to take a look back at the carmaker’s history. Elsewhere, the popular Railway Museum continues the travel theme, while the Science Museum boasts one of the world’s largest planetariums. Take a turn away from the modern and the automated and head to Sanshu Asuke Yashiki to visit a traditional Japanese farmhouse in a historic village. Or if you’re an avid golfer, nearby St. Creek G.C., Golf Club Daiju Toyota Course and Nanzen Country Club are great options to play a few rounds.

oita stadium wales vs. fiji (9 october) Oita City offers a glimpse of Japan’s art and history, with the enchanting Funai Castle ruin and the Oita Prefectural Art Museum’s stunning architecture. Oita Prefecture is best known for its onsen (hot spring bath), with mineral-rich waters, particularly in the city of Beppu. Situated on the eastern side of Kysuhu, golf courses and parks dot the area. It’s also a place for nature and, after a visit to Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago, the monkey park at Takasakiyama Nature Zoo provides a great day out for all.

international stadium yokohama ireland vs. scotland (22 september) england vs. france (12 october) Yokohama is the nation’s second-largest city after Tokyo, and so teems with things to do and places to celebrate and commiserate with the winning and losing teams. No stranger to hosting major sporting events, the city will host the World Cup Final. With one of the world’s largest Chinatowns, Yokohama has no shortage of related treats and delicacies to indulge in at lunch and dinner. Follow this up with a tour of the Kirin Beer Factory, which includes a free tasting session at the end. The Yokohama Hakkei-jima Sea Paradise—an amusement park with marine animals sat on its own island—and the famous Cup Noodle Museum is sure to keep every member of the family happy.

fukuoka hakata-no-mori stadium ireland vs. play-off winner (12 october)

shizuoka stadium ecopa japan vs. ireland (28 september) A stone’s throw from Mount Fuji, the stadium sits near the cities of Kakegawa and Fukuroi in Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s an area where one can dabble in marine sports in Suruga Bay, take walks in the woods around the stadium and relax in hot springs, of which there are many. After you’ve worked up an appetite, nearby Hamamatsu City has a host of restaurants

renowned for their eel, while the city is famous for its castle. This stadium is also near Yamanashi Prefecture, which is renowned for it’s grape orchards and mountainous terrain, so you could perhaps stop off on your way back to Tokyo and pick up some wine, or pick your own grapes.

Fukuoka is located on the south-western island of Kyushu and boasts an array of traditional temples and sandy beaches. The stadium sits in Higashi-hirao Park, also home to Hakata-no-mori Yudokoro Tsukinoyu, a spa known for its radon gas hot spring baths—a dream place to regroup and revive the body. Climb up to the observation deck of Fukuoka Tower for a scenic view of the city, or explore the many great hiking options in the area. Also keep an eye out for street food stalls, or yatai, selling Fukuoka’s distinctive food. Then there are Tocho-ji shrine—renowned for its huge wooden Buddha—and Fukuoka castle, two places that will quench your thirst for a taste of Japan’s rich history and culture.

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SPORT

FRANK LAMPARD: LEGEND ON THE LAWN

Chelsea’s top scorer trains star-struck kids on embassy visit

BY MAXINE CHEYNEY • PHOTOS: CUSTOM MEDIA

s the home of association football, the UK has provided its fair share of legends of the game, and in the hyper-globalised English Premier League era, its football has permeated the far corners of the planet, raising the profile of its star athletes in the process. Frank Lampard OBE—hailed by many football pundits as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation—is one such player. He stands as the top goal-scorer for Chelsea FC, where he spent most of his career, and was for many years a fulcrum of the England national team, earning 106 caps. Unsurprisingly then, he draws much attention wherever he goes, as he did during a recent visit to Japan. As part of that trip, Lampard participated in a Chelsea Foundation training session on 9 November. On the lawn of the ambassador’s residence at the British Embassy Tokyo, he shared tips with children aged 7–11 from the youth football team Shibuya Tobu Junior FC and the British School in Tokyo, reflecting the Chelsea Foundation’s aim to engage and empower communities through football. The foundation has

48 bccj acumen, december 2017

also partnered with Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. to support underprivileged children in Japan. Football’s future BCCJ ACUMEN asked Lampard about the recent success of the England team in the FIFA Under-17s World Cup and what the next steps should be for the players. “What you hope now is that all those players, whether at Chelsea or anywhere else, can get experience in their first teams. That’s important to try to bridge the gap from playing youth football to playing first team football—and then make it into the international first team”, he said. Lampard’s “ghost” goal for England in the knockout round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Germany was arguably a pivotal moment for the implementation of goal-line technology. But Lampard believes that there must be a limit to the use of technology in the sport. “It’s important that we experiment—I think the next England game is going to have a video referee, so that’s going to be something that we have to look at. But for me, before we start

putting it in the major tournaments, we have to make sure that we are not trying to video every moment of the game”, he said. It is important that differences in opinion be taken into account, he explained, adding that those grey-area decisions that rely on the opinions of referees and linesmen are where technology can’t have a role. “I think some very black and white issues in the game like goal-line technology and video technology are a must. Things that are not black and white, things that are grey, things that are opinions … I think we need to leave that to the referee, but we’ll see as we practice with it more and more”, he offered. BCCJ ACUMEN Publisher Simon Farrell sought advice from Lampard. “I’m trying to teach my two-and-a-half-year-old boy Kai to play football, but he keeps picking up the ball and throwing it away. What can I do?” Lampard laughed, saying this is normal behaviour for a child that age. “I didn’t start kicking footballs until I was about five years old and I did exactly the same as your kid to

SPORT

start with. Keep at it and he will eventually start kicking it”. Lampard said his father, Frank senior—who played for West Ham from 1967 until 1985 and was twice capped by England—used to patiently drill him from an early age on heading and other tough skills until he eventually got it. More to learn During a question and answer session led by British Ambassador to Japan Paul Madden CMG, Lampard spoke about his career and answered questions from the room and some of the embassy’s Facebook fans. Madden asked Lampard whether he always knew he would go into football, especially coming from a famous football family. “My father wanted me to be a football player and my mother wanted me to listen at school and do well academically. So I had a nice mix and I appreciate that. “I think it is important now that we talk to children”, he said. “Balancing playing sport, keeping healthy and working on education is imperative for children around the world”. Lampard said women’s football is continuing to grow, and England’s national team has worked very hard to get to where they are. “The other thing that we have done now in England and around the world is to change the perception of the ladies game and give them the full credit that they deserve”. Lampard highlighted personality, attitude and humility as key forces in being an effective leader and being able to have a positive effect on teammates. He added that he is looking at going into management, and is currently working with

British Ambassador to Japan Paul Madden CMG asked Lampard several questions.

TV networks commentating on and analysing matches, while working closely with Chelsea and The Football Association in England to get his coaching licence. “Playing for 20 years doesn’t necessarily make me a great manager, so I need to learn”, he said. “I would like to think that I could take the good and the bad from all the managers I had. I would love to work with young players and teams and train them, not just on the training ground, but as a man and as people”. Spirit, attitude and desire When asked about his experience with fans in Asia, Lampard explained that he has visited the continent many times and support has grown not just for Chelsea but for the English Premier League, too.

“I think the main thing I always find when we come, is passion and loyalty. We are almost on the other side of the world, but we really feel close to the fans here and know how much they care”, he said. Japanese players have certainly made a splash in British football, notably Shinji Okazaki, who plays for Leicester City FC, which won the Premier League in 2016. But when it comes to the FIFA World Cup, Japan has a way to go to compete with some of it’s European and South American rivals. “It is difficult to give you the magic recipe to win the World Cup. But I will say from my experiences”, he added, “that the spirit of the group is very important when you go to the World Cup. Spirit, attitude and desire can take you a long way, and I think those are the attitudes I sense in the Japanese team”.

Lampard with members of Shibuya Tobu Junior FC and students from the British School in Tokyo on the lawn of the ambassador’s residence.

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COMMUNITY

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY PHOTOS: DAMON COULTER

1 From left: Major Oliver Clark RLC, deputy defence attaché, British Embassy Tokyo; British Ambassador to Japan Paul Madden CMG; Royal Navy Captain Paul Casson OBE, defence attaché, British Embassy Tokyo; and Commander Rob Williams, Royal Navy liaison officer to the US 7th Fleet and Self Defense Fleet, at the Commonwealth Remembrance Day Ceremony at Hodogaya Cemetery in Yokohama on 12 November. 2 David Bickle (left), president of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and Neil van Wouw, chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan, presented wreaths.

3 Udani Gunawardena, second secretary, Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 4 Frank Hunter played the bagpipes. 5 Members of the French Armed Forces attended.

50 bccj acumen, december 2017

COMMUNITY

OTHER UK–JAPAN EVENTS 1 | EMBASSY At the British Embassy Tokyo on 4 December, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike signed a memorandum of understanding between Tokyo and the City of London in the area of financial services.

3 David Mulholland, marketing and partnerships manager at the British Embassy Tokyo, performed with the embassy taiko team at the annual Bridge Street Market.

5 | CHARITY Guests enjoyed a virtual F1 experience at Refugees International Japan’s F1 Race Night on 1 December at Oakwood Premier Tokyo Midtown in Akasaka.

PHOTO: TSUKASA NAKAGAWA

PHOTO: REFUGEES INTERNATIONAL JAPAN

2 | MARKET Guy Perryman MBE and Paul Madden CMG at Bridge Street Market, which was held on 18 November at the BA-TSU Art Gallery Omotesando in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.

4 | BCCJ EVENT Shamik Dhar, chief economist and director for economics at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, spoke at an event, titled Asia and the UK: Prospects in a Post-Brexit Era, on 28 November at the Roppongi Hills Club in Tokyo.

PHOTO: TSUKASA NAKAGAWA

BCCJ ACUMEN readers are welcome to email recent UK–Japan event photos with captions and credits for the editor to consider: russell@custom-media.com

bccjacumen.com 51

ARTS

UK EVENTS IN JAPAN COMPILED BY KIYOKO MORITA

15–29 DECEMBER Timon of Athens As part of Saitama Arts Theater’s 33rd Shakespeare Series, Kotaro Yoshida directs Timon of Athens, as well as acts in the titular role of Timon. Part of Shakespeare’s First Folio, the play is about a popular Athenian who, through his generosity, ends up giving his fortune to corrupt hangers-on.

20 DECEMBER

1 3

UNTIL 8 JANUARY トゥレット障害を生きる

◉ Free tickets We are giving away two pairs of tickets to the 28 December performance, which starts at 6:30pm.

◉ Free tickets We are giving away five pairs of free tickets for this concert.

World of UK Picture Books Some of the earliest picture books originated in the UK, and this museum, nestled deep in the forest of Karuizawa, showcases the rich world of British picture books. The exhibition includes books from the late 19th century to the present, as well as original drawings and first edition books. ©1922 L. LESLIE BROOKE

フォト週刊女性 / 森田晃博

ユウスケ

～ Program ～

Bach - Italian Concerto in F-Major BWV 971

ハイドン：アンダンテと変奏曲へ短調 Hob.XVII-6 Haydn -Andante & Variation in F-Minor Hob. XVII-6

ベートーヴェン：ピアノソナタ第 13 番変ホ長調作品 27-1 Beethoven - Piano Sonata No.13 in E-Flat Major op.27-1 Mozart - Piano Sonata No.9 in D-Major K.311

Karuizawa Picture Book Forest Museum 182 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi Kita-saku gun, Nagano Prefecture 10am–4pm (last entry at 3:30pm) Adults: ¥800 http://museen.org/ehon/exhibition/ 0267-48-3340

ラヴェル：ラ・ヴァルス Ravel - La Valse

◉ Discounted tickets We have 10 coupons offering a 10% discount, for up to five people, to give away. 3

52 bccj acumen, december 2017

ピアノ・リサイタル

バッハ：イタリア協奏曲ヘ長調 BWV 971

モーツァルト：ピアノソナタ第 9 番ニ長調 K.311

YUSK Piano Recital YUSK is a British–Japanese piano soloist who was brought up in London. As a sufferer of Tourette syndrome, it took him 10 years to graduate from music school. This performance will be his eighth in Tokyo.

鍵盤に指を置く時

Saitama Arts Theater 3-15-1 Uemine, Chuo-ku Saitama-shi, Saitama Prefecture Various times Adults: from ¥5,500 www.saf.or.jp/en 0570-064-939

Blue Rose (Small Hall), Suntory Hall 1-13-1 Akasaka Minato-ku, Tokyo 7pm Adults: ¥3,000 Students: ¥1,000 www.suntory.com/culture-sports/ suntoryhall/schedule/ detail/20171220_S_3.html

”彼の演奏は、未知への扉が次々と開け放たれてゆく新鮮な（月刊ショパン 2015 年 3 月号演奏会評より）驚きをもたらせてくれた。 ”

12.20

2 017 19: 00 開演

（水）

18: 30 開場全自由席

サントリーホールブルーローズ（小ホール）東京都港区赤坂 1-13-10 Tel:03-3505 -1001

3,000 円学生：1,000 円

一般：

チケット取扱：イープラス http://eplus.jp/ エクローグ音楽事務所（郵送のみ） e-mail:info@eclogue.jp Tel: 0940-42-8747 080-5673-8711( 関 )

後援：佐賀県難病支援ネットワーク一般社団法人日英協会主催・お問合せ：エクローグ音楽事務所

Tel : 0940 - 42 - 8747 e-mail:info@eclogue.jp http://www.eclogue.jp

◉ To apply for free tickets and gifts, please send an email with your name, address and telephone number by 18 December to: coordinator@custom-media.com Winners will be picked at random.

UNTIL 21 JANUARY

David Shrigley: Lose Your Mind This is Japan’s first large-scale solo exhibition of the work of acclaimed British artist David Shrigley, who works in a wide range of media, including drawing, animation, sculpture and photography, and possesses a distinctive sense of humour. The exhibition, presented in partnership with the British Council, will introduce for the first time in Japan the diverse activities of the artist as he gently undermines the seriousness of art. DAVID SHRIGLEY OSTRICH 2009. COURTESY: ARTIST AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL COLLECTION. PHOTO: STEPHEN WHITE

Contemporary Art Gallery, Art Tower Mito 1-6-8 Gokencho Mito-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture 9:30am–6pm (last entry 5:30pm) Adults: ¥800 www.arttowermito.or.jp/gallery_ en/gallery02.html?id=470 029-227-8111 ◉ Free tickets We have five pairs of free tickets to give away. 5

FROM 5 JANUARY

Kingsman: The Golden Circle This action-adventure spy comedy, produced and directed by Matthew Vaughn, is the sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service. After their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held to ransom, the Kingsman spy organisation discovers a fellow group in the United States. They must band

TOHO Cinemas Nichigeki (Among other locations) 2-5-1 Yurakucho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Various times Adults: from ¥1,800 www.foxmovies-jp.com/kingsman/ 050-6868-5000 ◉ Free gift We are giving away five exclusive pamphlets related to the film. 6

19, 22–23 JANUARY Paul Weller Japan Tour 2018 Paul Weller is an English singer, songwriter and musician famous for both his solo career and role in The Jam. This tour of Japan will be his first in three years and will see him perform songs from his new album A Kind of Revolution, which was released in May 2017, in Tokyo and Osaka. Roppongi EX Theater (Among other locations) 1-2-9 Nishi-azabu Minato-ku, Tokyo Start: 7pm Adults: from ¥9,000 www.creativeman.co.jp/event/ paul_weller2018/#english 03-3499-6669

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BEHIND THE MIC

designers Vivienne Westwood DBE, John Galliano CBE and Alexander McQueen CBE. It launched the New Romantic music movement, which was led by bands such as Culture Club, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Creating hats for his flatmate Boy George was the launch pad for Jones’s career, and as the singer’s star rose, so did Jones’s. Royal welcome A pivotal moment in his career, for which Jones is eternally grateful, was when Princess Diana became a fan and a regular customer. He said, “Probably the thing that was most extraordinary for me was meeting the Princess of Wales. To go to Buckingham Palace at the outset of my career and have a fitting with her, that was amazing”. His royal connection has continued, with Jones designing the bridal veil for the wedding this year of the Dutchess of Cambridge’s sister, Pippa Middleton. And Jones has put hats on the heads of rock royalty, too, including David Bowie, for whom he created the Pierrot hats in the 1980 Ashes to Ashes video. Like so many creative people, Jones was greatly inspired by Bowie and recalls first discovering him around 1973. “Bowie really changed my life”, Jones said. “He and Roxy Music really informed how I was going to be and certainly how I was going to design”. Jones was shocked to hear the news of Bowie’s death and was touched when he realized that in the last photo of Bowie taken in public, he was wearing a Stephen Jones fedora.

HAVE A GOOD TIME Stephen Jones OBE, hat maker to the stars BY GUY PERRYMAN MBE

“A

hat is a party on your head”. It’s my favourite quote by British milliner Stephen Jones OBE, hat maker to both royalty and rock stars. In addition to British clients, Jones has a long connection with Japanese clients through his creation of exclusive lines for department stores, regular lectures at top fashion colleges here, and collaborations with the fashion icon Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. Over the years I have met Jones a number of times for interviews, most recently in spring 2017 with the publication of his book Souvenirs, a biography and retrospective delving into his vast archive of photos, design sketches, clippings and quotes lovingly collected by his two sisters. Looking through the book and back over the years, Jones reflected, “I didn’t seek success, I just wanted to have a good time”. Are you still having a good time? I asked. “I hope so. Yes!” he said with a hearty laugh. The good times started in London in the early 1980s, with Jones making hats for himself and the trend-setting, broke club kids around the Blitz nightclub scene. It was a hub for pioneering creative people, including fashion

Under pressure Jones has also created hats for Mick Jagger MBE over many years, most notably for The Rolling Stones’ 2014 world tour. We talked about Jagger’s partner at that time, fashion designer L’Wren Scott, for whose runway shows Jones also had designed hats. Her suicide, possibly brought on by the stress of the fashion industry, was terrible but not entirely surprising for Jones. He acknowledged that the pressure on designers is immense. They must come up with a collection every six months, not to mention all the related business responsibilities they have. “What people don’t actually know is that fashion has always been like that”, he said. “Christian Dior himself only designed for 10 years from 1947 to 1957, before dying of a massive heart attack because the stress was so great. It’s a very intense business”. I wondered whether Jones feels consumed by the pressures of the fashion business. “I’ve been doing this for more than 30 years and I’m still here. And why is that? I think because I’m a milliner, I’m slightly on the periphery of the fashion business, one little notch sideways, so the pressures aren’t as great. But of course you’ve still got to come up with the goods every season, pay your employees—you’ve got to do all that”. Despite the pressures, Jones is still filled with the youthful excitement of creating hats, just as he was in the Blitz club days. To get inspired for a new collection, he recently asked his muses and friends what they would like to have a hat for. Their answers confirmed his theory of a hat being a party on your head, with one saying, “I want a hat for skiing on the moon”. Our conversation came to a close with me saying I really want to join his party, and Jones generously answered that I am on the guest list. Well, I’m delighted, because this seems like a party too good to miss.

Because I’m a milliner, I’m slightly on the periphery of the fashion business, one little notch sideways.

54 bccj acumen, december 2017

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